The Rows

One of the most fascinating and unique parts of Chester are the Rows. These two-tiered timber framed galleries line the main streets of the city. Brimming with the city’s history, they are waiting to be explored this spring. Throughout much of the city’s history, the Rows are where the city’s residents would come to trade, drink, dine, and more. Explore the Rows today and you’re continuing this legacy as you’ll find them home to some of the quirkiest independent shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Whether you want a deep dive into the city’s history (and mysteries) or to enjoy all the unique businesses that call them home (or even just to find some shelter from the rain!), make sure to discover the Rows this spring. Here’s our inspiration for just where to explore on your Rows discovery.

Discover the Rows

One of the best ways to explore the Rows is by using the Discover the Rows audio and mobile walking tour. It’s completely free and you simply need to go to the trail homepage, plug in your headphones and find your starting point. It’s a circular route that takes you on a journey through the Rows’ fascinating past, so you can start wherever suits you. You can also download a free map of the Rows designed by world-renowned artist Helen Cann to aid you with your discovery this spring.

Explore Spring Menus and Quirky Tipples

If you’re looking for a unique place to eat and drink, you can’t get much better than on the Rows. You’ll find brilliant bars, pubs and restaurants throughout, whether in the basement-level stone clad undercrofts, or on the galleries above, it’s definitely worth exploring both to see just how these structures work. In both Urbano 32 and Burger Shed 41 on Bridge Street you’ll experience the past meeting the present, with remnants of the historic architecture and quirky interiors with great pizzas, burgers, cocktails and more. Shrub, which sits on the upper level of the Rows on the corner of Eastgate and Northgate streets, as well as serving some of Chester’s best plant-based offerings uses their location to the fullest with charming interiors and a fantastic outdoor seating area where you can watch the streets below. Stroll up Watergate Street and you can enjoy expertly brewed coffee from the likes of Chalk, quirky bars like Craft & Company, Beer Heroes and Palm, and a range of restaurants like Pars Kahve, Stile Napoletano, and Olive Tree Brasserie. This is just to name a few and you can discover more places to eat and drink on the Rows here.

Kit yourself out with everything you need this Spring

Just like Cestrians of the past, you can shop for all kinds of wares on the Rows. Home to some of the best independents in town alongside luxury and name brands, the Rows make for the perfect shopping experience. Did you know that since the 19^th century the Rows have had their own jewellery quarter? On and around the corner of Bridge Street you’ll find some of the oldest and best jewellers in the city like Powells, Lowe & Sons, and Gasia. Weasel and the Bug is full of fun, environmentally friendly toys for the young (and the young at heart!), while Chester Model Centre is definitely worth a visit for fans of anything from model trains to Airfix. There’s Harriet and Dee, who call the historic God’s Providence House their home where you can find all kinds of quirky gifts, arts, and crafts, while just around the corner you can visit Epicurean who specialise in everything from fashion to homewares. Again, this is just a few of the great indies on the Rows, and we encourage you to discover your new favourite shop on the Rows this Spring.

Experience the Rows

The Rows aren’t just for shopping, eating, and drinking – they’re home to a number of attractions and experiences for you to enjoy. At the end of Bridge Street Row East in the historic St Michaels Church there’s Sick to Death – the interactive history of medicine experience that promises guests everything from plague doctors to potions and some gruesome parts of the past. For those who enjoy a challenge, Breakout on Bridge Street Row West is great fun with a host of themed escape rooms. On Eastgate Street Row North there’s Pictura Studios where you can take part in regular arts and craft workshops for all ages and abilities; there’s even clay Jack-o-lantern making on 1 October for some Halloween fun. For something even more relaxing stop into The Scented Garden Retreat to unwind your body and mind with a range of therapies and treatments including massages, facials, and mani-pedis.

Save on Travel

You can also save on train travel and save the stresses of driving. Transport for Wales operate regular services to Chester from Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and more, and you can save by booking direct and in advance.

Be Inspired

Discover the Rows

Discover Chester's historic and mysterious Rows with our walking and audio trail
The Rows Time Travelling Treasure Hunt

Explore the Rows and solve clues left by Cestrians of the past to save Chester from the mysterious Time Watchers in this new free family friendly trail
1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
Download Your Map of The Rows
Artist and illustrator Helen Cann has created a gorgeous, historically-inspired map to help you explore The Rows
Eat & Drink on The Rows

Chester's Rows are steeped in culinary history. Today Chester carries on this tradition with a whole host of places to get your fill on The Rows.
Jewellery on The Rows

Although jewellery wasn’t an integral part of The Rows when they were first built, it certainly is now, and jewellers have called The Rows their home since the 19th Century. Some of the oldest and most well-established businesses on The Rows are its jewellers.
Fashion on The Rows

As far back as Medieval times, Cestrians could find clothing and shoes on The Rows. Nowadays you can find everything from luxury boutiques and big-name brands, to some of the best independents around.
Health & Beauty on The Rows

The Rows have had a link with Chester’s health and wellbeing for centuries. Whether you need to care for your skin, hair, nails, or even get a tattoo, you can do it on The Rows!
The Rows: The Independent Heart of Chester
These medieval two-tiered covered galleries are the centrepiece to Chester’s main thoroughfares and are bursting with remnants of just about every part of Chester’s storied past.
The History of The Rows

The Rows have fascinated Chester’s visitors and locals alike for over 700 years. Radiating from the Cross, in the heart of the walled city, the Rows line Chester's four main streets and are now one of its main attractions. This guide will help you discover a little bit more about what gives Chester one of England's most distinctive townscapes
Accessible Rows

The Rows are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. There are four main access points for The Rows located throughout the city centre's historic thoroughfares.
High Streets Heritage Action Zones
The Rows are a part of the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England and will unlock the potential of high streets across England.